Dry Chicken Bhuna

Chicken is an extremely versatile ingredient, with which a billion and one dishes can be made. I don't understand when people say chicken is bland, because i've always found that it sucks in flavour like a sponge with water - if cooked correctly.

I've cooked a dish today, which i have been frequently making due to my son favouring it's drier texture - whether he eats with rice or on it's own.

It's a Bangladeshi style chicken bhuna dish - Bangladeshi style because the dish lacks the use of curry or mixed powder - mild or hot.

For this recipe, i used:

12 drumsticks (baby chicken ones)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 1/2 tsp chilli powder (more or less to taste)
1 1/2 tsp zeera (cumin) powder
1 1/2 tsp dhaniya (coriander) powder

Score the drumsticks then mix all above spices on the drumsticks well and keep to one side.

I then used:

2 tbsp oil
1 tsp panch puran (5 spice)
3 cardamoms
2 cinnamon sticks
3 bay leaves
4 peppercorns
3 cloves
2 medium onions chopped
1 inch ginger
6 cloves garlic
Salt to taste
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp beresta (fried onions)
Chopped coriander

In a wok, add the oil. Once heated, add the dry spices and allow to infuse oil. After a minute, add the onions and fry on high heat until golden brown. Watch that the onions don't burn.

Once golden, add garlic, ginger and salt and fry for a minute. Then spread the drumsticks evenly on the bottom of pan. You want to roast them on the onions on a medium heat for about 3 - 5 minutes then turn over gently to fry for another 3 - 5 minutes.

After both sides are done, add approximately 400ml water (more if you want more sauce), the sugar, beresta and cover. Allow to cook for 10 minutes. Check to see if you need more water, but this is not a saucy dish so you may not need any more. Once cooked, turn off heat and garnish with chopped coriander.

Obviously, you can add vegetables to the cooking process if you prefer, like potatoes or shatkhora (Bangladeshi citrus fruit) but sometimes it's just nice nillah (no veggies).

Serve with rice, naan, roti or as my son prefers - on it's own!!

Hope you enjoy!!

Yaz ♥